Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Affordable Dental East, we recommend professional teeth cleanings every six months, but some patients need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs.

Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?

These visits are crucial for preventing serious dental problems. Regular teeth cleanings Indianapolis dental office help catch early gum disease (gingivitis) and other issues before they worsen. Before your cleaning, your hygienist will carefully examine your mouth for the following signs:

• Swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Teeth pulling away from the gums
• Loose teeth

Your Personalized Care Schedule

What your hygienist finds tells us how often you need teeth cleanings.

• If you have healthy teeth and gums, every six months will probably be all you need.
• If you have gum disease, you may need gum disease maintenance cleanings every three to four months to keep the condition under control.

Making Healthy Smiles Affordable

The good news is that preventive cleanings are typically covered by most dental insurance plans. If you don't have insurance, we'll work with you to make preventive care affordable.

Call Affordable Dental East at (317) 899-1100 to schedule your cleaning in Indianapolis, IN. We also serve patients from nearby Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside.

Clear aligners work well for many, but there are certain factors that contribute to more successful treatment.

Ideal Clear Aligners Candidates

You are a good candidate if: 

• You're an adult of any age; there's no upper age limit for straightening teeth.
• You're a responsible teen who can follow treatment guidelines consistently.
• You have healthy teeth and gums with no active decay or gum disease.
• You have no significant dental work, like multiple crowns or bridges. Extensive restorations can prevent aligners from fitting properly and may prevent them from moving as planned. 
• You have mild to moderate orthodontic issues like crooked teeth, gaps, minor bite problems, or slightly rotated teeth.
• You can commit to wearing aligners 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.
• You're a non-smoker. Smoking discolors the clear aligners and increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems during treatment.

Are Clear Aligners Right for You?

Not everyone is eligible for clear aligner treatment, and Dr. Lund will carefully review your oral health during your consultation. He will give you an honest recommendation about whether clear aligners are right for you or if another treatment would work better.

Call (317) 899-1100 to schedule your consultation with an experienced clear aligner dentist in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

Teeth whitening and dental bonding are two of the most affordable cosmetic treatments we offer. We can typically complete either in one visit, meaning less time away from work, and they produce immediate, noticeable results that last with proper care.

Affordable Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional tooth whitening removes years of stains and discoloration in a single appointment. Dr. Lund applies a safe bleaching gel to your teeth, and you'll see results right away. Our take-home whitening kits are even more convenient and affordable than in-office treatment because you brighten your smile gradually at home on your schedule.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Bonding uses tooth-colored composite material to repair chips, close small gaps, or reshape teeth. Dr. Lund applies the material directly to your tooth, shapes it, and hardens it with a special light. The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes per tooth, and results can last five years or longer with proper care.

Making Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

Your insurance may cover a portion of bonding costs if we use it to repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth rather than purely cosmetic reasons.

At Affordable Dental East, we work with every patient to make cosmetic dentistry in Indianapolis as affordable as possible. We offer Cherry financing and in-house payment plans that let you spread treatment costs into manageable monthly payments.

Call (317) 899-1100 to learn about affordable cosmetic options in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

Dental crowns typically last 10–15 years with proper care, though many patients get 20 years or more from their crowns. The lifespan depends on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and how you treat your teeth.

What Affects Crown Longevity

Porcelain and ceramic crowns in Indianapolis usually last 10–15 years and look the most natural. Metal crowns, while less attractive, can last 20 years or longer because they're extremely durable.

Where the crown is located also matters. Back teeth experience more wear because they withstand greater chewing force than front teeth.

Tips to Make Your Crown Last Longer

Taking care of your crown is simple but important:

• Brush twice daily and floss around the crown just like your natural teeth.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools.
• Don't grind or clench your teeth (ask about a nightguard if you do this.
• Visit us for regular checkups so our dentist can monitor your crown.
• Quit smoking, which weakens gums and the bone supporting your crown.

When to Replace Dental Crowns

Even with great care, crowns eventually wear out. Signs it's time for replacement include chips, cracks, a loose fit, or decay around the edges. Dr. Lund will check their condition at each dental checkup and let you know.

Call (317) 899-1100 for more information about dental crowns in Indianapolis. We serve all surrounding communities, including Arlington Woods and the Far Eastside, IN.

Dental implant costs vary based on your specific needs, so it's impossible to say without seeing you first. However, we're happy to meet with you for an honest, transparent discussion about your treatment costs and options.

What Affects Dental Implant Costs

Several factors determine your final cost.

• If you need extractions before implant placement, that adds to the treatment.
• Bone grafting may be necessary if you don't have enough bone to support the implant.
• The number of implants you need and the type of restoration (single crown, bridge, or denture) also affect pricing.

Quality Materials for Long-Term Success

Dr. Lund uses only the highest quality implant materials and components for the best long-term outcomes. While this means a greater investment upfront, quality implants can last decades with proper care, making them more cost-effective than cheaper alternatives that may need replacement.

Insurance and Payment Options

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, especially if it's medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and explain exactly what your insurance covers.

We offer Cherry financing and in-house payment plans to make implant treatment affordable, allowing you to spread costs into manageable monthly payments.

Call (317) 899-1100 to discuss dental implant costs in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

Most dental insurance plans do provide coverage for emergency dental care, though how much depends on your plan. Emergency treatments like pain relief, infection control, and urgent extractions are often covered, while cosmetic repairs may have limited coverage.

Emergency Dental Insurance Coverage

At Affordable Dental East, we work with numerous insurances. Our team will check your plan and explain your out-of-pocket costs before we begin treatment. Here is a partial list of the insurances we work with. 

We'll Work with Your Budget

We understand dental emergencies don't wait for convenient financial moments. Indianapolis is home to many hardworking people, and we know that unexpected dental costs can feel overwhelming. We are dedicated to making quality emergency care accessible to everyone in our community.

Your financial needs shouldn't determine whether you get relief from dental pain or infection. Beyond insurance, we offer Cherry financing with flexible payment plans that let you spread treatment costs over time. We also provide in-house payment options designed to work with your budget.

Fast Emergency Dental Care

When you're dealing with a dental emergency, focus on getting the care you need. We'll handle the financial details and work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.

Call (317) 899-1100 for an emergency dentist in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

Yes, Affordable Dental East accepts many dental insurance plans, including the following:

• Aetna
• Aflac
• Ambetter
• Ameritas
• Anthem
• Beam
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Careington
• Cigna
• Companion Life
• Delta
• Guardian
• Humana
• Liberty
• MetLife
• Mutual of Omaha
• Physicians Mutual
• United Healthcare

Please note that this list is subject to change, so it's always best to call us at (317) 899-1100 to see if we accept your plan.

We'll Help You Understand Your Benefits

Our team knows that insurance benefits can be confusing. We'll check your specific plan to understand what's covered and what's not, then explain how your benefits apply to your proposed treatment.

Every insurance plan is different. Some cover preventive care like cleanings and exams at 100 percent, while others may require a copay. Major treatments like crowns or root canals typically have different coverage levels than routine care.

Getting Your Cost Estimate

We'll provide estimates whenever possible so you know what to expect before treatment begins. However, the final decision about coverage always rests with your insurance company. Sometimes, benefits change or claims get processed differently than expected.

What If You Don't Have Insurance?

Don't have dental insurance? We still want to help you get the care you need. We offer Cherry financing and in-house payment plans that let you spread treatment costs into manageable monthly payments.

Our goal is to make dental care accessible and affordable for everyone in our community, regardless of insurance status.

Call (317) 899-1100 to verify your insurance benefits in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

One reason gum disease is so common is that symptoms are often so subtle that they go unnoticed. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs so that you can take prompt steps to prevent it from ruining your oral health.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Red, inflamed, or swollen gums
• Spaces between the teeth and gums
• Teeth that look longer (receding gums)
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath that lingers even after mouthwash
• A change in the way your teeth feel when biting down

Who Can Get Gum Disease?

Adults of any age can develop gum disease, also called gingivitis. However, certain factors can put you at greater risk:

• Lack of proper brushing and flossing
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause
• Genetics — Some people are just more likely to develop the disease
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Age — Gum disease is more common in older adults

We’re Here to Help!

Do you have signs of gum disease? At Affordable Dental Care, we’re on your side and ready to help you get your oral health back on track.

If you think you need gum disease treatment in Indianapolis, our skilled team is here for you. Please call (317) 899-1100 to schedule an appointment.

Most people recover from root canal treatment in Indianapolis within a few days. The numbness from your appointment will wear off in a couple of hours, and you can return to your usual activities the next day in most cases.

What to Expect During Root Canal Recovery

It's normal to have some mild discomfort for two to three days after treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually handle any soreness. Some patients have no pain at all once the numbness wears off.

You can return to work the day after your root canal treatment unless you have a physically demanding job. If your work involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity, wait an extra day or two.

Eating After Your Root Canal

Stick to soft foods for the first day, such as soup, pasta, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you get your permanent crown. Once the temporary filling is in place, you can eat normally on the other side of your mouth.

Taking Care of Your Tooth

Gently brush and rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Don't skip your second crown appointment. The temporary filling isn't meant to last forever, and your tooth needs that crown for protection.

Call (317) 899-1100 for gentle root canal treatment in Indianapolis, Arlington Woods, and the Far Eastside, IN.

Knowing what foods to eat and how to care for yourself immediately after tooth extraction is the key to a fast and successful recovery.

Day 1–2 Post Extraction: Keep It Soft and Smooth

Choose foods that don’t need much chewing and won’t bother the area. Think pudding, scrambled eggs, and smoothies with a spoon (no straw).

Day 2–3: Switch to Softer Solid Foods

By day two or three, you can add softer solids, such as baked fish, tender chicken, steamed veggies, ripe bananas. Avoid very hot or spicy foods that can irritate the area. Chew on the opposite side.

Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of water. Skip alcohol for 48–72 hours.

General Post-Extraction Guidelines

Protect the clot to prevent dry socket:

• No straws, smoking, or vaping for 72 hours
• Don’t swish hard, spit forcefully, or poke the area
• Keep gauze in place with firm bite pressure as directed

Clean gently:

• Brush and floss the rest of your mouth the same day
• After 24 hours, start gentle warm salt-water rinses two to three times daily.

Manage soreness and swelling:

• Take over-the-counter or prescription meds as directed
• Ice outside your cheek for 15 minutes on and off for the first day
• Take it easy. No heavy lifting, sports, or bending for 48–72 hours

Call Us with Your Tooth Extraction Questions

If you have questions about tooth extraction and want to schedule an appointment, please call our Indianapolis, IN, dental office at (317) 899-1100.